By Our Reporter
A major dispute has emerged surrounding the proposed $16 billion Lagos-Abuja Super Highway and High-Speed Train project, with a construction firm, AEC Unity Network Limited, publicly denying any connection to a consortium claiming involvement.
The project, envisioned as a major infrastructure boost for Nigeria, has been the subject of conflicting reports, raising concerns about its development and the legitimacy of claims made by various parties.
Earlier reports cited Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris, identified as the Director of Operations at AEC-Geofocus, stating that the Federal Government was poised to begin the project by February 2025.
Idris outlined ambitious plans for a 500-kilometer corridor connecting Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and Abuja, featuring a high-speed rail line capable of reaching 250 km/hr, an 8-lane highway, smart cities, housing units, and an independent power plant.
He claimed the project would be executed under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) model, spearheaded by AEC-Geofocus, a consortium of engineers, planners, and investors.
However, AEC Unity Network Limited has vehemently denied any association with AEC-Geofocus, Engineer Idris, or any individuals connected to their claims.
In a statement issued by their legal consultant, Ayodeji Ademola, AEC Unity Network asserted its exclusive mandate as the officially recognized concessionaire for the project, authorized by the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
The company emphasized its sole authority to design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain the 470-kilometer superhighway and high-speed rail link between Abuja and Lagos.
AEC Unity Network described the claims made by Idris and AEC-Geofocus as “baseless and an attempt to mislead the public.” They categorically stated having no relationship with Engineer Idris or any individuals associated with Geofocus and warned the public, especially investors, to disregard any contrary information.
The company clarified that its projects are still in the planning stages and no other concurrent developments have been authorized on the Abuja-Lagos corridor. They further alleged that these “fraudulent claims” contradict their proposed infrastructure plans and aim to confuse and defraud stakeholders.
The Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects are considered key initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving national infrastructure and fostering economic development.
This dispute, however, casts a shadow over the project’s progress and raises questions about transparency and accountability in its implementation. The conflicting claims will likely require further investigation and clarification from relevant government authorities to ensure the project’s integrity and successful execution.
The Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects are ambitious infrastructure initiatives proposed in Nigeria to significantly improve transportation and connectivity between the country’s capital, Abuja, and its largest city, Lagos. While details are still emerging and subject to some controversy, here’s what we know so far:
Possible Key Features
- Dual Infrastructure: The project aims to construct both a modern superhighway and a high-speed rail line.
- Route: The corridor is planned to connect Abuja and Lagos, passing through several states, including Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger.
- Length: Estimates for the length vary slightly, with some sources mentioning 500 kilometers and others citing 470 kilometers.
- High-Speed Rail: The rail line is intended to accommodate trains capable of reaching speeds up to 250 km/hr. This would drastically reduce travel time between the two cities.
- Superhighway: The highway is expected to be a multi-lane expressway, potentially featuring 8 lanes with additional service lanes and tolling points.
- Additional Developments: Some reports suggest the project may also include:
Smart cities along the corridor.
Significant housing development (potentially 1 million units). An independent power plant to support the infrastructure - Project Model: The project is reportedly intended to be executed under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) model, involving private sector investment and participation.
- Estimated Cost: The estimated cost of the project is around $16 billion.
Objectives:
- Reduce Travel Time: A primary goal is to significantly reduce travel time between Lagos and Abuja, making transportation of people and goods more efficient.
- Boost Economic Development: The project is expected to stimulate economic activity along the corridor and in the connected regions.
- Improve Transportation Infrastructure: The initiatives aim to modernize and upgrade Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure to support economic growth and development.
- Support President’s Agenda: The projects are aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development.